Japan is exploring the possibility of importing oil from Kazakhstan, but direct shipments are unlikely due to complex logistics and high transportation costs.

According to Nikkei Asia, Tokyo is looking to diversify its oil imports by tapping supplies from Central Asia and other regions amid growing risks to shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions include oil from projects involving Japan’s energy company INPEX, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Oil and gas expert Olzhas Baidildinov says the focus is likely not on physically transporting Kazakh oil to Japan, but on alternative supply mechanisms. INPEX holds a stake in the Kashagan project, although the volumes available remain limited.

“Most of this oil is exported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to the Black Sea. Delivering it to Japan would require routing around much of the globe-it’s time-consuming, costly, and not entirely secure under current conditions,” he explained.

Instead, Baidildinov points to swap deals as the most viable solution. These exchange-based arrangements are widely used in global oil markets.

“Most likely, the scheme involves delivering oil to destinations such as the Black Sea or Türkiye, while the company receives equivalent volumes in Asia. These mechanisms are common, but typically remain commercially confidential,” he noted.

He added that such supplies would likely be irregular and dependent on infrastructure performance, particularly the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Interest in these arrangements reflects broader challenges in Asia’s oil market and the ongoing search for alternative supply routes.

“There are currently supply constraints in Asia, which is why even such unconventional options are being considered,” he said.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that the administration of US President Donald Trump is evaluating scenarios in which global oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel and the potential consequences. Brent crude is currently trading slightly above $100 per barrel.